Kali Tarot Spread; Connecting with the Hindu Goddess of Creation & Destruction
Last Updated: July 25, 2023
Kali is a Hindu goddess who is known for her many roles, including destruction, death, courage, creation and fertility. She is often depicted as a fierce, terrifying figure, with a blue or black complexion, long black hair, and four arms holding weapons such as a sword or a trident.
In Hindu tradition, Kali is seen as a powerful and transformative force, capable of bringing both destruction and renewal. Her energetic and dynamic nature is thought to infuse the every day with a sense of speed and change, helping to keep things moving forward and inspiring people to embrace new possibilities.
Who is Kali?
Kali Ma, the fierce yet compassionate goddess, radiates an indomitable power that empowers those who seek her blessings. She is also known as also referred to as Mahakali, Bhadrakali, Kalika, Chamunda, Kali-Mat, She who is Black, and She who is death. She is an embodiment of the divine feminine, representing both creation and destruction.
In her most famous tales, Kali Ma emerges from the brow of the goddess Durga and during a battle against a formidable demon, asura Raktabija. As the demon spills his blood, new clones of him spring forth, intensifying the challenge. Witnessing this, Kali Ma fearlessly leaps into action. Her tongue stretches out, devouring each drop of blood before it can multiply. Her unwavering determination and her ability to vanquish the seemingly invincible make her a symbol of triumph over adversity.
Kali’s tale teaches us profound lessons about the transformative power of the divine feminine. She reveals that in the face of darkness and challenges, we possess the strength to conquer our fears and limitations. Kali’s story encourages us to embrace our own ferocious grace, to tap into our innate power, and to trust in our ability to overcome obstacles.
When we invoke Kali Ma’s energy, we invoke the courage to face our inner demons and shed the layers of illusion that hinder our growth. She teaches us that destruction paves the way for creation and that through the fires of transformation, we can emerge stronger and more liberated.
Why connect with Kali?
Working with Kali can be a powerful experience, as she can help to provide clarity and understanding during difficult times. She is often invoked before going into battle or for protection from enemies. Additionally, she has associations with the creative arts, helping to bring forth inspiration and new ideas.
Kali’s myths also contain many lessons about death and transformation. She helps to remind us that change is an essential part of life and death can be a source of renewal. As such, her associations with darkness and destruction are often seen as a necessary part of the cycle of life. By understanding and embracing this concept, we can learn to make peace with our mortality and live with greater appreciation for all that we have in each
The term “ferocious grace” is a way to convey the paradoxical nature of Kali Ma. On one hand, she is depicted as a fierce and terrifying figure, with a fearsome appearance, dark complexion, and a necklace of severed heads. She is often portrayed as standing on the body of her consort, Lord Shiva, and wielding weapons in her multiple arms.
However, beneath her terrifying exterior, Kali Ma is believed to embody profound compassion and spiritual wisdom. She is revered as the mother who protects and liberates her devotees from suffering and ignorance. She fiercely defends her devotees and helps them to overcome obstacles and challenges. The term “ferocious grace” captures this duality, suggesting that Kali Ma’s fierce and awe-inspiring form is ultimately an expression of her divine love and transformative power. It implies that her ferocity is not separate from her benevolence but is an integral part of her divine nature.
Many non-Hindi people turn to Kali for guidance, strength, and inspiration in times of difficulty, completely uninitiated because they’ve felt her call, and they believe that her presence in their lives brings a sense of vitality and purpose. This has usually been performed by meditation or worship from a place of sincerity, but if you wish to go deeper, it’s maybe best to visit a nearby temple/ashram/spiritual organization and find the appropriate Hindu guru or Swami spiritual leaders who can guide you through the practice of initiation, including bhajans. This then falls into closed practice territory so please act with humility, patience, and respect.
Kali Asteroid Astrology
Asteroid Kaali 4227 in your chart, as Kali, is showing us in a nurturing way how to let the past go and how to move on. Additionally, she can show us when it is conjunct or touches a planet what energy is amplified furiously, to the point that we think we can’t bare it – but always do. Kali specifically in the 12th house or 29 degrees of Pisces is to suggest you were ritually sacrificed in another life, whereas Kali specifically in the first house can indicate royalty. Kali is an occult and tantric sex asteroid deity, however there is so much to her than just these aspects.
Kali Correspondences
- Color: Black, Blue and Red – Kali Ma is often depicted with dark or black skin, which is representing the primordial darkness and the infinite potential of creation.
- Symbol: Skulls – Kali Ma is often depicted wearing a garland or necklace made of severed heads, symbolizing the transience of life and the death of the ego.
- Weapon: Scimitar/Sword – Kali Ma wields a curved sword or scimitar called “khadga” that represents the power to cut through ignorance, ego, and attachment. She is also known to have a trident.
- Hands: Multiple arms are representing her immense power and ability to perform multiple actions simultaneously.
- Consort: Shiva – Kali Ma is often depicted standing or dancing on the body of her consort, Lord Shiva. This represents the dynamic interplay between creation and destruction.
- Animal: Lion or Tiger – Kali is sometimes associated with the lion or tiger, symbolizing her ferocity, courage, and ability to overcome obstacles. Whilst wearing a tiger skin, she also has associations with snakes and jackals.
- Time: Kali Yuga – Linked with the Kali Yuga, the final and most tumultuous age in Hindu cosmology. This age is characterized by moral decline and spiritual darkness. She also has a festival – November 12th 2023 is Kali Puja festival date this year, and the association with the new moon phase.
- Imagery: Storms, fire, battlefields, birth-death-rebirth cycles, red hibiscus flowers, sweets, rice and lentils.
- Mantra: “Om Krim Kali” – This mantra is often used to invoke and connect with the energy of Kali Ma.
- Element: Fire – Kali Ma’s fierce nature and transformative power are associated with the element of fire, representing purification and destruction.
- Sacred Places: Kalighat Temple – The Kalighat Temple in Kolkata, India, is one of the major pilgrimage sites dedicated to Kali Ma. It is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the sacred sites where body parts of the goddess Sati fell after her self-immolation. There is also the Kaali craters, now sacred lakes which have sprung in Estonia post-asteroid collisions.
Kali Divination Oil
When we are looking to connect with our deities, a devotional oil that is specific to invocation and worship of Kali can be used. This Kali devotional oil is a delicious blend made from all-natural ingredients that are usually easy to come across and carries the qualities of protection, strength, courage, and empowerment. The blend recipe includes:
- 5 drops of Hibiscus Essential Oil
- 2 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
- 1 drop of Black Pepper Essential Oil
- 1 drop of Patchouli Essential Oil
- 1 drop of Vanilla Essential Oil
- 20 ml of Carrier Base Oil (such as Jojoba or Sweet Almond)
When working with essential oils, please always use caution, and be mindful of the safety protocols to ensure you are using them safely and in appropriate doses. Wash hands, dispose of ingredients responsibly, and please do not consume this blend but either wear it (after a patch test of 24 hours) or anoint your tools to connect with Kali in this way.
Kali-themed Drink "Watch It Burn"
Sometimes we need a visual representation of change for us, and this drink is no different. When I say “Watch it burn” to you, you may instantly think of it an aggressive, villainous tone. Yet in reality we need to set the past free so that we can move on to the future, and this is a devotional drink AND a visual aid for ushering in this change should you wish it. In Japan, there are villagers that burn the countryside and small forest areas in controlled fires so that the ashes will then enrich the soil and ground, and so that new things can take the time to grow. Here, in this drink, I’m using the same principle of destruction for rebirth.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum (for alcoholic version) OR 2 oz blackberry juice (for non-alcoholic version)
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup or pure maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- Cinnamon stick or hibiscus flower and cinnamon powder (for garnish and flambé)
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the dark rum or blackberry juice, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and simple syrup (if using).
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously to mix and chill the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a glass of your choice (a short tumbler or a martini glass works well).
- Use a hibiscus flower or cinnamon stick as a stirrer/garnish, and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder on top of the drink as a garnish
- Light a small amount of cinnamon powder on fire (using a lighter or a long match) and carefully sprinkle it over the drink for a flambé effect (ensure safety precautions are taken, and never leave the flame unattended).
- Watch the flames dance for a moment, symbolizing the ignition of a better future.
- Blow out the flame gently before consuming the drink.
- Sip and enjoy the flavors, allowing the symbolism of Kali’s transformative power to inspire you.
Please remember to exercise caution when working with fire. Ensure the area is well-ventilated, and always practice safety measures. Adjust the proportions and sweetness according to your taste preferences. Cheers to a better future, inspired by her fiery grace!
Kali tarot spread layout & questions to ask
This tarot spread is designed to help you connect with the dark goddess Kali, and to tap into the energy from either themselves as a deity, the asteroid energy or from the archetype personality. It can be used to find answers in the shadows or to transition through a difficult time.
Kali can show you what spiritual blocks may cause harm in your life, and how to navigate challenges with an “I can handle much worse” confidence. At the end of your spread, share your gratitude with this energy.
To begin, shuffle your tarot deck and draw a card for each position in the yearly tarot draw as shown in the below layout.
Place a Kali card in the centre to focus on their energy: (The Tower, Strength, The Empress).
Finally, take some time to reflect on the questions that each card position represents and what message the tarot cards in that position might be trying to tell you. If you’re just starting to learn tarot, or if you’re still getting to know your deck, you may find my in-depth articles on the meanings of every tarot card helpful.
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Tarot Card #1: Challenges that Kali wants me to take care of
This card will show where we have work to do, to put it mildly. Whether it is boundaries with others (The Devil) or it is working with our intuition in a way that adds more spirituality to our daily lives (The High Priestess) you will find examples no matter what card comes up.
Tarot Card #2: How will Kali support me as I move out of my comfort zone?
This is the card that can show what we need to loosen up our grip on. This could be an over-attachment to material possessions (4 of Pentacles) or it could be fear of the unknown (The Moon). It’s important to note that Kali won’t just magickally make everything better for us, but she will provide us with the strength we need to take control of our own lives.
Tarot Card #3: What will it look like when I'm evolving thanks to Kali's presence
This card is a reminder for us that we can use her strong nature in a positive way and benefit from it. Whether you need to look at your inner strength (The Chariot), show more courage (Strength) or being more creative (The Star) the card will let you know what it looks like when growth is happening.
Tarot Card #4: How can I tap into my own ferocious grace?
This might be the most important card of the spread, because it lets us know how to mirror Kali’s power for our own benefit appropriately, not appropriatively. This could manifest as more confidence (The Sun) or transformation (The Tower). No matter what card comes up, this is an opportunity to tap into your own inner strength and grow from there.
The additional two cards not necessary if you're short on time, but either side of two and four can be for:
Optional Card #5: In what ways can I love and nurture myself like Kali does, no matter what mistakes I have perceived to have made in life or fears I can't face right now?
This is a card that will remind us of what Kali would want us to know – that whatever mistakes we have made or fears we can’t face, she holds love and compassion for us. The card may provide guidance like learning to accept the duality of ourselves (2 of Cups) or letting go of what doesn’t serve us (Death). It may show up like the 8 of Swords, which reminds us that we are capable of freeing ourselves, and Kali will be there to help.
Optional Card #6: How does Kali want me to begin again?
This card shares that no matter how many times we fall down, Kali will be there to help us up. It may remind us of our own inner resilience (The Magician), or it might point towards accepting new forms of change within ourselves (The World). This card can inspire and show you the way forward so you don’t have to fear you are on your own.
Try this free online 4-card Kali tarot reading below
What to do after this Kali tarot reading
Always remember to take the time to listen and be still so that you can get their answers with clarity.
After you’ve finished a tarot reading, there are a few things you can do in order to reflect on the experience and integrate the insights you gained. Here are some suggestions:
Use a tarot journal to record your findings
Jotting down your thoughts in a tarot journal after reading can be helpful in a few ways. First, it can help you remember the details of your reading later on, such as how you felt at the moment and perhaps your first impressions of what a card meant.
Second, it can provide a space for you to process the information you’ve received and explore what it means for you. Third, it can be a way to keep track of your progress over time as you revisit your journal entries and reflect on your journey.
Take a picture of the cards
If you want to remember the position of the cards and what they meant in relation to your questions, take a picture of the spread. This will help you look back on the reading later and review the insights you received. Sometimes, clarity is better acquired after you’ve stepped back from the situation for a little while and had some time to process it.
Some people create Instagram accounts or Pinterest accounts specifically for this, and if you use any of our spreads please tag us @backyardbanshee if you feel comfortable!
Take some time to meditate and reflect
Immediately after a tarot reading, it’s important to take some time to sit with the insights you’ve received. This can be done through proper meditation, visualisation, or simply taking some time to reflect on the reading.
It can be helpful to think about what the messages from the cards mean for your life and how you can apply the advice that was given to you. That time can also be used to replenish your energy level and cleanse your tarot deck.
Get a second opinion from a close friend
If you have close friends who also happen to be tarot practitioners, it can be helpful to get their take on your reading. They may be able to offer additional insights or perspectives that you hadn’t considered before. This is also a good way to get feedback on your own interpretation of the cards.
Ensure to ask permission before just blindly sending your cards across in a message and saying “what does this mean to you?” as your friends may not have the energy or have a boundary with this sort of thing – manners cost nothing, and this is especially to note if they are a professional tarot reader who normally gets paid to interpret readings.
Layer your reading with more divination
Why not try adding astrology dice or a pendulum reading to your tarot session? Your intuition will guide you on how to best use these tools, but they can be helpful in providing more clarity around the messages from your tarot reading. We have lots of methods for you to utilise here on the website.
Do the same reading a month later
This is a great way to check in on your progress and see how far you’ve come. It can also be helpful in understanding the cyclical nature of our lives and how our current situation is likely to change over time. This can be especially useful if you’re struggling with a decision or trying to figure out which path to take as to offer suggestions, provide perspective and encourage your confidence to move forward.
At the end of the day, tarot readings are meant to be a helpful tool, not a replacement for your own intuition. The best way to use tarot is to combine the insights you receive with your own understanding of the situation. Trust your gut and follow your heart—the answers you’re looking for will come.
It is my hope that these tarot spreads on my website help you with clarity and articulate whatever is going on. Let me know what you think of this tarot spread in the comments below and if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.
What ever happens in your tarot reading btw, remember to meditate on them and let the wisdom of Kali into your life. Honor her presence by using her energy for good, and you will find the strength to make positive changes in your life. Until next time xox
I have been passionate about reading divination for more than 15 years. This gives me a unique perspective when it comes to creating fun, supportive and creative tarot spreads. I hope they help you find the clarity and insight you are looking for.
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